Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek is to play a villain in the 25th official James Bond film – but the movie still does not have a title.
The cast and creative team have been unveiled at a launch event in Jamaica, with Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge confirmed as one of the writers.
The unnamed film, which will be released next April, will be Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as 007.
Malek won an Oscar for playing singer Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
What role will Rami Malek play?
The official plot summary mentions “a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology”.
Details of Malek’s character haven’t been revealed and he wasn’t at the official launch on Thursday, but he sent a video message confirming he will play a villain.
“I’m stuck here in New York in production but I’m very much looking forward to joining the whole cast and crew,” said the Egyptian-American actor, who is currently filming TV show Mr Robot.
“I will be making sure Mr Bond does not have an easy ride in this, his 25th outing. See you all soon.”
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After watching that, Craig joked that he was “scared” about what lay in store for Ian Fleming’s suave secret agent.
What we know about James Bond 25 plot?
Bond will again be called upon to save the world from a shadowy adversary – all in a day’s work for 007.
The official plot summary reads: “Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help.
“The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.”
At the launch, producer Barbara Broccoli said Bond’s attitudes to women would move with the times. “The Me Too movement has had a huge impact – rightfully, thankfully – on society, and these films should reflect that, as everything we do should,” she said.
Craig told BBC News: “Bond has always adapted for the times. But you’re dealing with a character who is flawed, who has issues, and I think that’s something that’s worth still exploring and grappling with.
“Of course, we wouldn’t be movie-makers or creative people if we didn’t have an eye on what was going on in the outside world.”
